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CSS vs NTGPASS and NTSSS

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

CSS

Closed public sector scheme

CSS is a closed Commonwealth scheme whose benefit depends on more than the investment return shown on a statement.

Membership

Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing.

NTGPASS and NTSSS

Closed public sector schemes

NTGPASS and NTSSS are Northern Territory public sector benefit schemes for eligible earlier employees.

Membership

Entitlements depend on the employee's commencement date, employment category and service history.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

Choose an investment option to see the figures

The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.

Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.

Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.

How the products differ

CSS and NTGPASS and NTSSS: product features and conditions
What to compareCSSNTGPASS and NTSSS
Membership and access

Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing.

Sources12

Entitlements depend on the employee's commencement date, employment category and service history.

Sources1
Accounts and products

Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme, including defined benefit and accumulation components.

CSS defined benefit

CSS accumulation component

Sources12

NTGPASS ABN 67 738 128 022 and supplementary NTSSS ABN 15 570 931 519.

NTGPASS

NTSSS

Sources1
Investment choices

Investment earnings affect the funded component; they are only part of the overall benefit calculation.

Sources12

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Retirement income

The main retirement benefit is generally a pension. Age, service, reason for leaving and sometimes final salary affect its calculation.

Sources12

Scheme benefits are assessed when employment ceases, under the applicable benefit rules.

Sources1
Comparing investment performance

Explain benefits beside other schemes without treating CSS as a fund anyone can join.

Sources12

Do not present these closed defined benefits as generally available investment accounts.

Sources1

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on CSS

Editorial assessment

For a CSS member, an ordinary fund ranking answers too little. Get a benefit estimate for the actual exit date and compare the pension and lump-sum choices before considering any transfer.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing CSS members reviewing retirement or a return to eligible employment.

What deserves a closer look

  • The scheme is closed to ordinary new membership.
  • A higher investment return elsewhere does not by itself show a better outcome than a CSS pension.

Sources12

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on NTGPASS and NTSSS

Editorial assessment

These names usually signal an existing entitlement to investigate, rather than a new fund choice. The employment record and exit reason should drive the assessment.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing or former Territory employees checking legacy benefits.

What deserves a closer look

  • Newer Territory employees generally choose a different accumulation fund.
  • Death and invalidity benefits contain service, age and other conditions.

Sources1

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between CSS and NTGPASS and NTSSS

Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.

Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.

Read the full CSS profile · Read the full NTGPASS and NTSSS profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for CSS

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. Department of Finance CSS guide, updated 10 September 2026
  2. CSC membership restrictions

Sources for NTGPASS and NTSSS

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. NT Treasury NTGPASS and NTSSS rules and identifiers